Residents set to benefit from £1.95m investment

An overhead shot of a port, showing a number of shipping containers and mechanical equipment such as cranes.

We are investing £1.95 million to grow the local economy. This renewed funding will:

  • create jobs for local residents
  • help our businesses to grow and thrive
  • attract external investment, enabling us to improve essential infrastructure

We have already invested more than £15 million in economic growth since 2021. This has supported the creation of over 1,200 jobs in a variety of industries across Essex.

Past investment has also helped to train more than 20,000 residents. Boosting their confidence and developing their skills has enabled them to secure new or better paid work.

What does the renewed investment mean for me?

Our work to improve essential infrastructure continues and we have secured almost £500 million of external funding to support our work in town centres, community spaces, road repairs and improvements and new sustainable transport schemes for the county. 

We are also refreshing our business support service, which will see us provide advice and guidance to over 700 businesses.

Support will be available to all business sizes and sectors. Services will help businesses to grow, create new jobs and move towards more sustainable products and processes.

Our renewed investment will also see us continue to grow the local visitor economy, which generates over £2.8 billion to the Essex economy each year.

Our tourism attractions aren’t just for those outside of the county. Our investment will ensure residents have enjoyable and safe experiences when visiting leisure activities across Essex. 

Councillor Louise McKinlay, Essex County Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Levelling Up, Communities and Business Engagement, said: 

This significant investment reaffirms our commitment to the Essex economy and marks a significant step forward.

We will continue to champion our local businesses as we attract millions of pounds of vital inward investment to Essex.

Councillor Tony Ball, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, added: 

This is great news for Essex and signifies our commitment to supporting businesses, residents and future generations.

Not only will this funding help businesses to thrive, but it will also create hundreds of jobs in future-proof industries, including essential green jobs.